The federal indictment also claims that former Bayonne cop Domenico Lillo also "knowingly concealed, covered up, falsified, and made false entries" on a use of force report about the arrest.

Published January 26, 2015

A former police officer of Bayonne, New Jersey, has been suspended without pay after being arrested by federal agents and charged for abusing the civil right of a suspect in 2013.

Domenico Lillo, 44, allegedly beat a handcuffed Brandon Walsh, 26, in the face with a flashlight several times while he and other officers were executing a warrant, the Grio reports. The assault left the victim permanently disfigured.

“When you’re going to do something like that, this is what gives all police officers a black eye,” said Mayor Jimmy Davis.

According to the Grio, the federal indictment reportedly states that Lillo “knowingly concealed, covered up, falsified, and made false entries on a Bayonne Police Department Use of Force Report about the arrest…by not checking the box marked ‘Strike/Use of Baton or other object.”

If convicted, Lillo could spend 10 years in prison for the excessive force charge and up to 20 years for falsifying records.

“Officer Lillo’s assault of Mr. Walsh can only be categorized as vicious and cowardly,” said Joel Silberman, Walsh's attorney. “His arrest sends a clear message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated.”

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